Man jailed over theft of Red Bull and charger from Tipperary shop

A man who stole a can of Red Bull and a phone charger from a Nenagh service station has been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment.

Marcu Kvec, aged 50 of Manor Street in County Waterford, appeared before Nenagh District Court on Friday, June 12, where he pleaded guilty to a theft offence under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act.

Solicitor Liz McKeever entered a guilty plea on his behalf. Judge Marie Keane noted that he was entitled to a trial by jury or to have the matter dealt with in the District Court, and he elected for summary disposal.

The court heard that on March 14, 2025, Mr Kvec entered an Applegreen shop on the Dublin Road in Nenagh with another male and was observed taking a Red Bull and a phone charger before leaving without making any attempt to pay.

Defence solicitor Ms McKeever said her client had provided €20 compensation to the shop. She said he was “very apologetic” and noted that his wife was in court and has serious health issues.

Mr Kvec has 17 previous convictions, including nine for theft, one for public order and two for public intoxication.

The court was told his most recent conviction on June 8 involved Section 4 and 6 offences, for which he received a three-month suspended sentence over two years and was ordered to pay €100 compensation within eight weeks.

He also received suspended sentences in Waterford District Court, including a two-month suspended term in March 2024 and a 10-month sentence in 2023 for nine Section 4 thefts.

Judge Keane noted the accused had been before the courts on multiple occasions and had also been arrested on a bench warrant in relation to the matter.

She remarked: “Theft of a can of Red Bull and a phone charger, hardly a necessity.”

The court imposed a three-month custodial sentence, ordered €20 compensation to Applegreen, and fixed a €100 own bond.